The man of my dreams left his wife for me, yet I never imagined how it would all turn against me.
I had admired him since my university days. One might say it was unconditional lovenaive and blind. When he finally noticed me, I lost all reason. It happened years after we graduated, when we ended up working at the same firm. We shared the same profession, so it wasnt unusual, but I believed it was fate.
To me, he was the perfect man. In my youth, it didnt trouble me that he already had a wife. I had never been married myself and didnt understand the pain of a broken home, so when Edward chose to leave her for me, I felt no guilt. Who could have guessed it would bring me such sorrow? They say you cannot build happiness on anothers miseryhow true that is.
When he chose me, I was over the moon, ready to forgive him anything. Yet in truth, he was no prince in daily life. His things were always strewn about the house, and he flatly refused to wash dishes. Every chore fell to me, but at the time, I didnt mind.
He forgot his past marriage quickly enough. They had no children, and their union, it turned out, had been arranged by her family. With me, it was differentor so he claimed.
My happiness was short-lived, for everything changed when I fell pregnant. At first, Edward was thrilled about the baby. We even threw a grand family celebration, with everyone wishing us love and health for our unborn child.
That evening remains one of my fondest memories. I regret none of it. But from that moment, my blind love began to fade.
The larger my belly grew, the less I saw of Edward. I went on maternity leave, so we only met late at night. He stayed longer at work, attending company parties. At first, it didnt bother me, but soon it wore me down. Household chores grew harderI could no longer bend to pick up socks tossed across the floor.
I often wonderedhad we rushed into parenthood too soon?
I knew feelings could cool with time, but not this swiftly. Edward still brought flowers and chocolates, yet all I wanted was his presence.
Soon, it became clear his absences werent innocent. Colleagues mentioned, in passing, a new young hire in our department. Staff shortages had worsened when I left, and the irony wasnt lost on me.
I wasnt certain if she was the cause, but my husband was surely seeing someone elsehis free time vanished. He was either working, at meetings, or at yet another company event he “couldnt miss.” One day, I found a note in his coat pocket, signed with unfamiliar initials. I dont know why, but I slipped it back and pretended ignorance.
It was terrifying, being alone in my seventh month while my husband complained Id grown too irritable. Every argument ended with his disappointed sigh. Somehow, I knew raising the issue would leave me abandoned. The fear of losing him consumed me. They say what you dread most will surely come to pass.
For all his charm, Edward was no true gentleman. The cruelest words I ever heard were: “Im not ready for a child,” and, “Theres someone else.” I scarcely recall how he said them, but in that moment, I felt my mind unravel.
I never expected to find the strength to file for divorce. He certainly didnt expect me to refuse his behavior any longer. And he certainly never thought Id throw his things out the next day. At least the flat was rentedwe had no property to divide.
“But the baby,” he protested. “Think of the child. How will you manage?”
“Ill find a way. Ill work from home. Besides, my parents have long offered help. My mother always said he was a rakeI should have listened.”
Perhaps responsibility for my unborn son gave me courage. Alone, I wouldnt have dared leave.
But I also understoodI would not raise my child with a man like him.
His betrayal was so vile, I wanted nothing more to do with him. It was as if scales had fallen from my eyes.
The months after the divorce, including the birth, were grueling. I moved back with my parents, who were overjoyedespecially my mother, whod always longed for a grandchild. I wont say I didnt miss Edward, but I tried not to dwell on him. Deep down, I knew Id done right, and Id give my son the best life possible.
Then, suddenly, he returned.
It seems Edward regrets everything. He wants to know his son. But do I want that? Or should I move to another town instead?
